Imagine that you've been given $1000 (or
its equivalent in your country's money) with
the condition that you must give it to the
charity that will use the money most wisely.
To whom do you give the money?

The All Arts Council of Franklin County,
of course.
The AAC brings all the arts to Franklin
County and showcases and develops local artists.

So what? There are art exhibits,
classical and country concerts, plays,
and avant garde events all over the state.
Why do we care if they happen here?

We need to support an organization that
can not only stage a national art show on a train but also can put one
of the world's top ten violin soloists on a local stage for the price
of a movie ticket. That way, our local cultural choices this week may
range from nude mud wrestling to photo exhibits of Vermont architecture
to "long hair" music.
Jaime Laredo performed on a high school
stage in St Albans. Having the Vermont Symphony Orchestra--and other live
performances--in our neck of the woods, happens because regional arts
councils like this one make it happen.
This Local Arts Service Organization is
a small group of volunteers who present concerts, benefits, exhibits,
and educational programs from Summer Sounds to Railroad Days. To continue
that level of programming always takes more volunteers and more money.
If you visited the Artrain
in St Albans, you saw the only exhibit of NASA's world class Artistry
of Space collection in Vermont, ever. If you did visit, you already know
how any financial support helps make the arts happen in our own community.
The AAC offers seasons-full of popular
events including arts shows and festivals, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra,
recitals, gallery exhibits, school residencies, the Vermont Youth Orchestra,
an informal regional theater company consortium, a county-wide crafts
and fine arts tour, and even collaborations with statewide dairy and maple
producers to show off local art. There are celebrations and meet-the-artist
parties, networking opportunities for artists and other members, free
workshops, and regular news of local cultural happenings.

Bottom line. Local and regional arts councils
help keep our culture alive for grownups and help bring the culture to
life for kids.
Without the continuation of our culture,
we aren't just watching nude mud wrestling. We're wrestling in the mud
with no clothes.